My Engagement Got Broken, But I Don’t Remember Getting Engaged in the First Place - Chapter 46

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“Aren’t we lively here?” King Thorvard appeared and spoke in a cordial tone.

Everyone collectively showed courtesy to His Majesty, but he dismissed it with one hand.

I guess when you’re at the top of the hierarchy, you could be that easygoing about formalities.

Nora realized once again that Thorvard was indeed the king.

“After such a lovely performance, what is this commotion about? Duke Lindell, Duke Enroth, what’s the matter?”

“There’s nothing wrong, Your Majesty. Nothing you should be concerned about.”

“Were you making fun of the singer I had invited?”

“Err—”

“Duke Lindell was saying that Miss Nora Kranz had visited the Lindell manor with her parents to ask for support and offered her body but he refused.”

“Oh?” King Thorvard seemed quite amused, listening to Duke Enroth’s explanation.

This feels somewhat wrong.

Duke Lindell was certainly a terrible person, but even Duke Enroth was outright lying.

Confused by what’s happening, Elias placed his hand on Nora’s shoulder to reassure her. He said nothing and flashed her a smile instead.

I’m confused. But it seems wise to stay silent for the time being.

“But that day, I had invited Miss Nora to my manor, along with the son of Marquis Callum there.” Following his line of sight, King Thorvard looked towards Elias.

“Elias Callum. Is what Duke Enroth saying true?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Nora and I were invited to Duke Enroth’s manor for tea.” Seeing Elias bow in respect, the lady beside her sighed.

He truly looks so mesmerizing in every angle.

“Then, Duke Lindell was lying?”

“No, no. There is a record of Baron Kranz and his family coming to my manor. I’m certain Duke Enroth must have confused the dates.”

“Is that so?” King Thorvard smiled, seeing the look of relief in Duke Lindell’s face. It was the same smile Duke Enroth had earlier. His face was smiling but his eyes were not.

“If it was Duke Enroth’s tea party, I think I was there too.”

“What?”

“Somehow I can’t remember the date though. I suppose I’m a little tired.”

Duke Enroth’s lie didn’t make sense, but he somehow got the king in on it. Now that the situation has come to this, there’s no need for Nora to speak up.

“By the way, Duke Lindell. What is this I’m hearing about that you had increased the toll fee only for the Kranz estate. You must know, the toll fee needs to be assessed and decided through panel discussion with every estate in attendance. It’s rather strange that you raised it only for the Kranz estate. And now the Kranz are asking for a re-evaluation. What’s the rationale behind it?”

There was no way Duke Lindell could have reported it himself, so how did he know about it?

But, I see…

Nora wondered if she could have consulted someone in the parliament. She had felt like there was nothing else she could do about it. She’d always assumed that every problem in their estate would have to be resolved by them alone.

“It’s for road maintenance and such.”

“Why is it only in the Kranz estate then? Also, there was ambiguity in some accounting reports. As well as reports of fraud and embezzlement. What can you say about that?”

“Your Majesty, there must be some kind of misunderstanding.”

“Is there? If you had been honest and admitted it, then you could have simply submitted an improvement measure and showed me the progress report. But since you insisted that the accounting discrepancies I found were but a mere misunderstanding, then you leave me with no other choice. I need to have your entire duchy investigated at once.”

“B-But—”

“Well, you’ve said there was nothing wrong, so there should be nothing for you to worry about. We only have to investigate the last dozen years or so. Relax.”

But isn’t that something you can’t help but worry about?

In contrast to King Thorvard, who looked positively jovial, Duke Lindell was visibly pale.

“My queen candidates have withdrawn one after another, and most of them have all coincidentally mentioned Duke Lindell’s name. I might have to look into that as well.”

“Y-Your Majesty…um…”

“What? You’ve got nothing to hide, so there should be no problem, right? Oh, that reminds me, Duke Lindell. This time, I had personally invited the Azure Nightingale. She was recently renowned as the Pure-Hearted Nightingale for her enormous donation to the church. Some malicious people have spread bad rumors about her. What do you think about that?”

“Your Majesty, I think there is some truth to the rumors.” Although he answered right away, Duke Lindell looked like he was about to pass out from anxiety. He must be immensely worried over that investigation for the last dozen years or so.

“I see. Rumor has it that your singer over there made a scene at the restaurant where Miss Nora regularly performs. Is that also true?”

“I’m afraid that’s merely a rumor without basis.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Didn’t you just say there is some truth to the rumors? Speaking of which, I need to have her investigated, too.”

“P-Pardon me, Your Majesty. What might have I done wrong?” Rebecca’s voice came out a little loud, and King Thorvard shot her a meaningful glance.

“My queen candidates have often told me how the men in their family would get bewitched by some woman, who was said to have golden hair and crimson eyes. A curious coincidence, don’t you think?”

“Er, um, right, what a coincidence…”

King Thorvard smiled at Rebecca, who stuttered as she spoke.

“Perhaps so. Better if we find out. If you’re innocent, you’ve then got proof of your innocence. No problem, right?”

“B-But, Your Majesty!” Rebecca screamed, but no one paid attention to her any longer.